Dalhart High School marching band to play at Nation's Capital

by Drew Powell

Preparations are in full swing for the Dalhart High School marching band to play at two events next year in Washington D.C. (Drew Powell ABC 7 News)

DALHART, Texas (KVII) —

The Dalhart High School marching band is preparing for a first in school history. The band has been invited to participate and perform in the National Memorial Day Parade on May 28, 2018 and the National Memorial Day Concert Series on May 27, 2018 in Washington D.C. A nomination from the state senator Kel Seliger, lead to an invite from the American Veterans Center and Music Celebrations International.

“This is one of the biggest things the Dalhart band has ever experienced in the history of Dalhart bands,” said Jim Paslay, band director. “We are elated and we just need all the help we can get right now.”

Reaction from students in the band is excitement and surprise.

“It’s really an honor to get this invite,” said Yareth Lozano, student at Dalhart H.S. “In years past the band has only had like 12 students but now we’ve grown and people can see what a great opportunity this is for us.”

“It’s going to be a cool experience especially since our band is from a small town and were going to like a big city,” said Jackie Aguilera, student at Dalhart H.S. “This is fun as were just putting ourselves out there for everybody to see.”

“I was honestly surprised,” said Maly Delgado, student at Dalhart H.S. “Our band has been pretty decent over the past few years and I honestly think we deserve it.”

Kelly Nash Jones is the secretary for the band boosters at Dalhart H.S. She tells ABC 7 news that $86,000 is needed to be raised to handle expenses for 135 people to make the trip in May of next year. Nash tells ABC 7 News throughout the remaining school year students in band will be doing multiple fundraisers.

“We have set up a gofundme account, we also run the concession stand and all those profits go towards the trip to the nation’s capital,” said Kelly Nash Jones, secretary for band boosters.” We’ve got numerous fundraisers and were selling t-shirts.”

The band along with parents and chaperones will travel to and from Washington D.C. on charter buses.

“We’re all going to travel together and really get to know each other,” said Nash Jones.

On Sunday at 2 p.m. at Dalhart H.S. the band boosters are holding a meeting open to parents and the community to attend to discuss fundraising options.

To make a donation, contact Dalhart H.S. band director Jim Paslay at (806) 244-7321. Donations can be mailed to Dalhart H.S. at 2100 Spirit Trail, Dalhart, Texas zip code is 79022.